I-94 Form Sample for Visa Holders: What to Look For

If you've entered the United States on a nonimmigrant visa, the I-94 is one of the most important documents you'll receive. This arrival/departure record, issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), determines how long you can legally stay and serves as official proof of your lawful admission.

Your I-94 controls your authorized period of stay, not your visa expiration date. Many people assume their visa stamp dictates when they must leave, but that's not how it works. The "admit until" date on your I-94 is what matters for compliance. Whether you're verifying employment eligibility on Form I-9, filing an extension or change of status with USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services), or proving lawful presence to a state agency, you'll need this record.

This guide explains what the I-94 contains, how to retrieve your record online, what each field means, and how to resolve common errors. You'll also find examples of how the I-94 appears for different visa classifications and guidance on using it for immigration filings.

What is the I-94 form?

Before reviewing the fields on your I-94 form example, it helps to understand what this document is and why it matters.

The basics

The I-94, officially called the Arrival/Departure Record, is issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). It documents your legal entry into the USA and records your class of admission, date of entry, and authorized stay. The I-94 is not a visa. Your visa allows travel to a U.S. port of entry; the I-94 records what happened when CBP admitted you.

Why the I-94 matters

Your I-94 determines how long you can legally remain. The "admit until" date controls when you must depart, regardless of when your visa expires. The form is required for employment eligibility verification on Form I-9 and for extensions, change of status, or adjustment of status with USCIS.

Electronic I-94 vs. paper I-94

I-94s are now issued electronically at virtually all ports of entry, including most land borders. CBP creates the record automatically upon admission, and you can retrieve it online immediately after entry. Paper I-94 cards are rare and issued only in limited circumstances, such as certain humanitarian cases or system outages. Both versions are equally valid when issued. You can access your electronic I-94 through the CBP website or the CBP One mobile app.

Who receives an I-94?

Not everyone entering the United States receives an I-94. The form applies specifically to nonimmigrant visitors and certain other travelers who need documented proof of their admission terms. Understanding who does and doesn't receive this record helps clarify your documentation requirements and what to expect at the port of entry.

Travelers who get an I-94

Foreign nationals entering on nonimmigrant visas receive I-94 records. CBP creates this record automatically upon admission for most temporary visitors, including:

• Work visa holders: H-1B specialty workers, L-1 intracompany transferees, O-1 individuals with extraordinary ability, TN professionals under USMCA, and E-2 treaty investors
• Students and exchange visitors: F-1 students, M-1 vocational students, and J-1 exchange visitors
• Business and tourist visitors: B-1 business visitors, B-2 tourists, and combined B-1/B-2 holders
• Visa Waiver Program travelers: Citizens of VWP countries entering under ESTA authorization (classified as WT for tourism or WB for business)
• Dependent visa holders: H-4, L-2, O-3, TD, and other derivative status holders accompanying principal visa holders
• Other nonimmigrant categories: R-1 religious workers, P-1 athletes and entertainers, and K-1 fiancé(e)s

Who does not receive an I-94

Certain travelers are exempt from I-94 requirements because their status doesn't require documented admission terms:

• U.S. citizens: American citizens are not subject to immigration inspection in the same way and don't receive I-94 records
• Lawful permanent residents: Green card holders (the Permanent Resident Card, which carries designation I-551) already have permanent status and don't need an I-94 to document their stay
• Canadian citizens on short visits: Canadian citizens entering for business or tourism are generally admitted without an I-94 for stays of up to six months (at the officer's discretion). However, as of April 11, 2025, Canadian visitors aged 14 and older staying 30 days or longer who were not issued an electronic I-94 at entry must register with the federal government using USCIS Form G-325R. Canadians entering for work, study, or on petition-based visas do receive an I-94
• Certain border crossing card holders: Mexican nationals with border crossing cards (BCC) entering the border zone for short visits may not receive a formal I-94

How to access your I-94 record

Once you've entered the U.S., you can retrieve your most recent I-94 online at no cost. Having a copy of this record is essential for employment verification, USCIS applications, and proving your lawful status. The process takes just a few minutes if you have your passport handy.

Online retrieval (free)

Go to i94.cbp.dhs.gov or use the CBP One mobile app. Click "Get Most Recent I-94" and enter your first name, last name, date of birth, passport number, and country of issuance exactly as shown in your passport. Print or save as PDF. Retrieving an I-94 that CBP has already issued is free and requires no account.

Applying for an I-94 (fee required)

If you need to apply for an I-94 in advance of travel or at a land border crossing, a fee applies. As of September 30, 2025, the I-94 application fee increased from $6 to $30 under Pub. L. 119-21. This fee applies when applying through the CBP One app, the i94.cbp.dhs.gov website before arrival, or at land ports of entry. CBP encourages travelers entering at land borders to apply online in advance through CBP One to reduce wait times.

Retrieving travel history

The CBP website displays your travel history showing previous entries and departures. This history covers the most recent five years of travel records. For entries older than five years, you'll need to file a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request with CBP. The five-year travel history is useful for immigration applications requiring you to document prior visits and verify dates for USCIS forms.

I-94 form sample: Field-by-field breakdown

Your I-94 contains several fields that document your identity, admission class, and authorized stay. Understanding what each field means helps you verify that CBP recorded your information correctly and ensures you can use the form properly for employment verification, USCIS filings, and other official purposes. You can view an official I-94 form sample on the CBP website.

Personal information fields

Your I-94 displays last/family name, first name, date of birth, country of citizenship, and passport number as shown in your passport.

Admission information fields

The class of admission shows your visa classification (H-1B, F-1, B-2, WT). The admit until date determines when your stay expires. The admission number is your 11-character I-94 number used on USCIS forms (this number may include both digits and letters). Note that the admission number differs from an A-number.

Admit until date vs. visa expiration

Your visa expiration and I-94 admit until date often differ. A B-2 visa might be valid 10 years, but each entry authorizes only six months. For F-1 students, the I-94 currently shows "D/S" (Duration of Status), tying the authorized stay to maintaining valid student status rather than a fixed date. Note that DHS has proposed rulemaking to replace D/S with fixed end dates for F, J, and I visa holders, so this may change.

If any field on your I-94 appears incorrect, address it immediately. Errors in personal information, admission class, or stay dates can cause problems with employment verification and USCIS applications.

Form I-94 example by visa type

Different visa classifications produce different I-94 records. Here are common i94 card sample patterns.

• H-1B worker: Class "H-1B" with an admit until date matching the approved petition end date.
• F-1 student: Class "F-1" with "D/S" (Duration of Status) instead of a specific date, tying stay to maintaining valid student status. DHS has proposed replacing D/S with fixed admit until dates, so future F-1 I-94s may show specific end dates.
• B-1/B-2 visitor: Specific admit until dates, typically up to six months from entry.
• Visa Waiver Program: "WT" or "WB" classification with a 90-day maximum stay.
• L-1 transferee: L-1A or L-1B with admit until dates matching the approved petition.

Common I-94 issues and how to resolve them

Errors on your I-94 can affect employment verification and USCIS applications. Common issues include misspelled names, incorrect dates, or wrong visa classifications entered at the port of entry. Fortunately, most errors can be corrected by contacting CBP directly.

• Name or passport number errors: Visit a CBP Deferred Inspection Site (located at major airports) with your passport and boarding pass, or contact the CBP Information Center.
• Missing I-94 record: Verify you're entering information exactly as shown in your passport. If you entered at a land border and no electronic record appears, contact the CBP Information Center.
• Incorrect class of admission: If your classification is wrong, visit a CBP Deferred Inspection Site with your visa and petition approval notice (Form I-797).
• Wrong admit until date: This is one of the most common errors, particularly when the I-94 admit until date is matched to passport expiration rather than petition end date. If your I-94 date is shorter than your approved I-797, address it immediately at a CBP Deferred Inspection Site. An incorrect date can affect employment authorization, driver's license renewals, and potentially trigger unlawful presence issues.

Addressing errors early prevents complications with employment verification and future USCIS applications. Keep copies of all documents you submit when requesting corrections.

Using your I-94 for immigration purposes

Your I-94 plays a role in multiple U.S. government processes. Beyond proving when you arrived, this record establishes your work authorization and forms the basis for future immigration filings. Understanding these uses helps you maintain proper documentation throughout your stay.

Employment verification

Employers are required to verify that every new hire is authorized to work in the United States. When completing Form I-9, your employer records your 11-character I-94 admission number in Section 2. For many nonimmigrant workers, the I-94 serves as a List A document, establishing both identity and employment authorization when presented alongside a valid foreign passport. Your employer may also need your class of admission and admit until date to confirm your work authorization period. Keep a printed copy of your I-94 readily available for any new employment.

USCIS applications

Nearly every USCIS application requires your I-94 information. When filing Form I-539 (Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status), you must provide your current admission number, class of admission, and authorized stay dates. Form I-485 (adjustment of status to permanent residence) asks for your most recent I-94 details to verify lawful admission. Employment authorization applications, H-1B extensions, and change of employer petitions all reference your I-94 record. Providing incorrect or outdated I-94 information can delay processing or trigger requests for evidence.

Proving lawful status

State and local agencies often require proof of lawful immigration status for services like driver's licenses, state identification cards, professional licensing, and in-state tuition eligibility. Your I-94 demonstrates that you were lawfully admitted and shows your authorized period of stay. Some states also require the I-94 for public benefits enrollment or school registration. Having a current printout from the CBP website ensures you can provide documentation when agencies request proof of your immigration status.

Automatic visa revalidation

Nonimmigrants in valid status whose visa stamp has expired can re-enter the United States from short trips (under 30 days) to Canada, Mexico, or adjacent islands without obtaining a new visa stamp, provided their I-94 remains valid and they haven't applied for a new visa while abroad. In these cases, your valid I-94 is what authorizes re-entry. This provision is useful for travelers whose visa stamp expires while they're in the U.S. but who need to make brief trips to neighboring countries.

How long to keep your I-94 records

Maintaining records of your I-94 history is important for long-term immigration planning. Many applications ask you to document every U.S. entry over a specific period, and having organized records makes this process significantly easier.

Save a PDF of your I-94 after every entry and keep these records indefinitely. CBP's online travel history only displays the most recent five years of records. For entries older than five years, you would need to file a FOIA request, which takes time. Green card petitions may require your complete travel history, and naturalization applications ask about all trips outside the United States for the five years preceding your application. Having your own I-94 records readily available helps you accurately report entry dates, departure dates, and periods of stay without relying on CBP's limited online history.

Beyond immigration applications, these records prove you complied with the terms of previous visas. If USCIS or a consular officer questions gaps in your history or asks about prior admissions, your I-94 documentation provides clear evidence of lawful status. Save both electronic copies (PDFs from the CBP website) and printed backups in a secure location alongside your passport copies, visa stamps, and approval notices.

Getting support with immigration documentation

Immigration processes involve coordination across multiple agencies, extensive documentation, and strict compliance requirements. The I-94 is just one piece of a larger system that includes visa petitions, status changes, employment authorization, and permanent residence pathways. Missing deadlines or filing errors can jeopardize your status and future applications.

Lighthouse helps workers and employers navigate these requirements through eligibility diagnostics, guidance on documentation and compliance, and expert legal review. Our platform combines experienced case managers with technology built for immigration workflows, coordinating filings, tracking deadlines, and managing family applications from start to finish. Whether filing for an H-1B, pursuing a green card, or managing status extensions, our team provides hands-on support.

Start your immigration evaluation today.

Frequently asked questions

What is an I-94 form for?

The I-94 officially documents your legal arrival, admission class, and authorized stay period. It creates a record for both you and the U.S. government. Employers use it to verify work authorization on Form I-9, schools may require it for enrollment, and USCIS references it on nearly every application you file.

Who needs to fill out an I-94?

You typically don't fill out an I-94 yourself. CBP creates it electronically based on your entry inspection. If you're entering at a land border, CBP encourages you to apply in advance through the CBP One app or i94.cbp.dhs.gov (a $30 fee applies as of September 2025).

What kind of visa is an I-94?

The I-94 is not a visa. It's an arrival/departure record documenting your admission. Your visa allows travel to a U.S. port of entry; the I-94 records the terms of your authorized stay once CBP admits you. Your visa can remain valid while your I-94 has expired, and vice versa.

Is an I-94 the same as a green card?

No. A green card (officially the Permanent Resident Card, designation I-551) proves permanent resident status with unlimited stay. An I-94 is a temporary record for nonimmigrants with an expiration date. Green card holders don't receive I-94s.

How do I correct an error on my I-94?

Visit a CBP Deferred Inspection Site (located at major airports) with your passport, visa, and any approval notices, or contact the CBP Information Center. Common errors include wrong admit until dates, misspelled names, and incorrect visa classifications. Address errors promptly, as they can affect employment verification and USCIS applications.